Find Divorce Records in Clinton Township
Clinton Township divorce records are filed and maintained at the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in Macomb County. As the most populous township in Macomb County, Clinton Township generates a significant number of divorce filings each year, and all of those cases go through the county court system in Mount Clemens. This guide explains how to search for those records online, how to request copies, and what to expect when dealing with the Macomb County court system as a Clinton Township resident.
Clinton Township Overview
Which Court Handles Clinton Township Divorce Cases
Clinton Township is a charter township within Macomb County. All divorce cases for Clinton Township residents are handled by the 16th Judicial Circuit Court, which sits in Mount Clemens. The township clerk at 40700 Romeo Plank Road handles local municipal records only. That office does not hold divorce records and cannot assist with case lookups or copy requests for divorce filings. For anything related to divorce, you go to Macomb County.
The Macomb County Circuit Court is the only court with jurisdiction over divorce cases filed by Clinton Township residents. The court covers all of Macomb County and handles a large volume of family law cases each year. Divorce filings, case files, and certified copies of judgments are all managed through this court and the Macomb County Clerk.
| Court | 16th Judicial Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| County Clerk Address | 40 N. Main Street Mount Clemens, MI 48043 |
| County Clerk Phone | 586-469-5120 |
| Circuit Court Website | circuitcourt.macombgov.org |
| Friend of Court | 10 North Main Street, Mount Clemens, MI 48043 |
| Friend of Court Phone | (586) 469-5160 |
The Macomb County Circuit Court building is in downtown Mount Clemens, about 10 miles from the center of Clinton Township. Business hours for the clerk's office are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. If you plan to visit in person to request records or file documents, bring a valid photo ID and the case number if you have it.
How to Search Clinton Township Divorce Records Online
Macomb County uses CourtView for online case access. You can search for divorce cases filed by Clinton Township residents at no cost through the CourtView portal at circuitcourt.macombgov.org/circuitcourt-courtview. The system lets you search by party name or case number. Results show the case type, filing date, party names, and a docket log of what has happened in the case.
CourtView does not let you download actual documents. It is useful for confirming that a case exists, finding the case number, and checking case status. Once you have that information, you can contact the clerk's office to request copies of specific documents.
The statewide MiCOURT case search at micourt.courts.michigan.gov also covers Macomb County. You can use it as an alternative if CourtView is unavailable or if you are not sure which county to search. MiCOURT shows DM cases (divorce with minor children) and DO cases (divorce without children) across all Michigan circuit courts.
For electronic filing and case management, MiFILE at mifile.courts.michigan.gov is the state portal used by attorneys and self-represented parties to file documents in Macomb County Circuit Court cases. If you are handling your own divorce case, MiFILE is where you would submit papers without a trip to the courthouse.
Online case searches show index information only. Actual divorce documents, including the judgment of divorce, require a formal records request from the Macomb County Clerk.
How to Get Copies of Divorce Records
If you need a copy of a divorce judgment, decree, or other documents from a Macomb County divorce case, contact the Macomb County Clerk at 40 N. Main Street, Mount Clemens, MI 48043. You can go in person or send a written request by mail. In person visits are faster. Bring a photo ID and the case number if you have it. Staff can usually pull active and recent cases right away.
For mail requests, write to the Macomb County Clerk at the address above. Include both parties' full names, the approximate year of the divorce, and the case number if known. Enclose your payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents. Allow one to two weeks for mail requests to be processed.
Current fees for Macomb County divorce records are:
- Record search: $10.00
- Plain copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $10.00 to $15.00
These fees are subject to change. Call 586-469-5120 to confirm current copy fees before sending payment. If you need a certified copy of a divorce record for legal purposes, such as remarriage or name change with a federal agency, make sure to specify that you need a certified copy rather than a plain one. Plain copies are sufficient for most personal use.
Vital records of divorce are also available through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). MDHHS maintains statewide divorce records for cases back to 1897. Certified copies are $34 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Order through the MDHHS vital records office at michigan.gov/mdhhs. MDHHS copies confirm the divorce occurred but contain less detail than the full court file from Macomb County.
Michigan Divorce Law for Clinton Township Residents
Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. Under MCL 552.6, either spouse can file for divorce by stating that the marriage has broken down and there is no reasonable chance it can be saved. You do not need to prove fault, wrongdoing, or any specific cause. This applies equally to all cases filed at the 16th Judicial Circuit Court for Clinton Township residents.
To file in Macomb County, at least one spouse must meet the residency rules in MCL 552.9. One spouse must have lived in Michigan for at least 180 days before filing. That same spouse must also have lived in Macomb County for at least 10 days before the filing date. Clinton Township residents who have been in Macomb County for more than 10 days generally meet this requirement without any difficulty.
Waiting periods apply after the case is filed. Under MCL 552.9, cases with no minor children must wait at least 60 days from filing before a judge can enter the final divorce judgment. Cases that involve minor children must wait at least 180 days. These waiting periods are mandatory unless the court finds extraordinary circumstances to shorten them. The 180-day wait in child cases is the most common source of delay for Clinton Township divorce cases.
Property division in Michigan follows equitable distribution principles under MCL 552.19. The court divides marital property in a way it finds just and reasonable under the circumstances. This does not always mean a 50/50 split. The 16th Circuit Court judge assigned to your case has broad discretion to divide assets, debts, and property based on the facts of your situation.
Friend of the Court services are available for all Macomb County cases involving children. The Friend of the Court office at 10 North Main Street, Mount Clemens handles custody recommendations, parenting time enforcement, and child support calculations. Their phone is (586) 469-5160. If your case involves minor children, the Friend of the Court will play an active role throughout the process.
Local Legal Resources for Clinton Township
Several resources can help Clinton Township residents who are navigating a divorce case or trying to access divorce records. The Michigan Legal Help website at michiganlegalhelp.org is the first place most people should check. It has free guided interviews that produce completed court forms based on your answers. It covers Macomb County procedures and the 16th Circuit Court specifically.
The State Bar of Michigan at michigan.gov has a lawyer referral service that can connect you with family law attorneys who practice in Macomb County. Many offer a reduced-fee initial consultation. If cost is a concern, legal aid organizations in the Detroit metro area may be able to help if your income qualifies.
All official Michigan court forms for divorce, including forms for property, support, and cases with children, are available free at courts.michigan.gov. The Michigan Courts website also has procedural guides for the various stages of a divorce case. If you plan to handle your own case, start there before going to the courthouse.
Clinton Township Clerk at 40700 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton, MI 48038, phone 586-286-9422, handles local municipal records only and cannot assist with divorce case lookups or copies.
Nearby Cities
These nearby communities are also served by courts in the region. Select a city for local court details and records information.
Macomb County Divorce Records
Clinton Township is part of Macomb County. All divorce filings for Clinton Township residents go through the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in Mount Clemens. For the full county court guide, fee schedules, and additional resources, visit the Macomb County divorce records page.